By Peter Dansu In the wake of the viral video showing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a heated confrontatio...
By Peter Dansu
In the wake of the viral video showing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a heated confrontation with a young naval officer over an Abuja land dispute, reactions continue to trail the incident from across the country.
Adding his voice, a military veteran and corporate security professional, Abudu Akinlola Olumayowa, has strongly condemned what he described as the “verbal demeaning” of a uniformed naval officer lawfully performing his duty.
Olumayowa, in a statement made available to the press, stressed that uniformed personnel on official assignments represent the Nigerian state, and their authority is institutional, not personal. He cautioned that no public official, regardless of position or political power, has the right to insult or intimidate a member of the Armed Forces while in uniform.
According to him, such actions contradict the standards of leadership expected in a democratic society.
“The naval officer’s composure in the face of provocation was commendable,” he said. “His calmness and professional restraint reflected the discipline and values the military instills — self-control, respect for civilian authority, and obedience to rules of engagement. Those qualities deserve commendation, not ridicule.”
The veteran emphasized that public officials must demonstrate emotional intelligence, accountability, and respect for state institutions, noting that the Armed Forces, Police, and other uniformed services are pillars of national stability.
“When their dignity is undermined in public, it demoralizes personnel, weakens institutional integrity, and sends the wrong signal to citizens,” he cautioned.
Olumayowa reaffirmed his stance that respect for uniformed personnel must be upheld at all times, and that disputes should be handled through established procedures rather than through acts of intimidation.
“Leadership is best demonstrated through restraint, not aggression,” he said. “National development can only thrive where civilian authority and security institutions operate in mutual respect — it is not optional, it is fundamental.”
The confrontation, which has sparked widespread online debate, shows Wike engaged in a tense argument with the naval officer, who appeared to be enforcing security directives. While some Nigerians faulted the officer for standing up to a minister, many others praised his composure and professionalism, urging restraint and mutual respect between civilians and the armed forces.
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